Wednesday, December 15, 2010

America's Cup Protocol changes after Competitor Forum

[Source: America's Cup] Changes will further reduce costs, encouraging teams to focus their investments on the water

Several cost-reducing amendments to the America’s Cup rules have been adopted, following recommendations from the Competitor Forum, as well as prospective teams.

To maintain an open dialogue with current and potential teams, America’s Cup Race Management (ACRM) has hosted two briefings to gain insight into the needs of teams. Further discussions between ACRM and the Competitor Forum have resulted in amendments to the Rules that will reduce costs for participants.

“These changes are designed to allow the teams put their initial investments into building their teams and boats,” said Iain Murray, CEO, America’s Cup Race Management (ACRM) and Regatta Director for the 34th America’s Cup. “We are here to help the teams and to ensure that every dollar will be well spent.”

- Increase the equipment that ACRM will ship for Competitors to America’s Cup World Series venues

- Give Competitors an additional three months to build their first AC72

- Provide Competitors two additional months with common AC72 design team

Details of the Rule changes were revealed by Iain Murray and Richard Worth, the Chairman of the America’s Cup Event Authority, as they participated in a panel discussion at the World Yacht Racing Forum on Wednesday afternoon in Portugal.

Everyone always hated BMWO dont fool yourself by thinking this is a new thing. But people should sit and watch what is going to happen in the world series it will be a good indicator of the future. The dropping of the entry fee is a indicator that there are very few teams and BMWO are trying to do what it takes to make this thing the spectacle they promised the world. This is going to be very difficult wit the current platform. But hell they are the defenders and have all the money in the world to make sure they stay that way.

There goes SlopyLog again.. haters gonna hate. WHYYYYY. its a silly line and no ones impressed. Cant you dig around in the dusty corners of your limited intelligence and come up with something a little less pathetic.

They still should take the stupid wing out .... The stupid wing is a pain in the a.... to handle , ship , store and expensive to build.... The only reason they keep it is because they have a clear advantage there

2:56you nailed it. I bet all BOR needs to do is drop the wing and the teams will come running. easy fix and BOR would not loose face. Its an obvious solution and they can always try the wing for the 35th cup. baby steps russ. Ask the teams I bet they all agree. Bor would still have the advantage but it would be easier for design teams to get their heads round.

I get the feeling even the COR is worried about the wing... Anyone out there from Mascalzone that can give a real perspective on this?I believe it only takes a few brave men to stand up and say what they really want and the wing could be put on the back burner. If BOR listen and act fast they could find themselves with 12 challengers instead of 8. Even Origin and Alinghi may reconsider.However lets talk about cutting the cost. It may be more expensive to have a conventional rig because of the cost of rig and sail development but at least this would be something the design teams can get their heads round.Just keep in mind before you all jump on this thread. masts and sails aint cheap.

And for whom should BMWOracle give up on the wing? For "teams" that can not even come up with a minimal entry fee. Do you really think those teams would have any chance to win the AC?Five teams are in already. ETNZ (not yet entered) has apparently no problem with the wing. Alinghi and TO are out and will stay out for sure. I don't see any other potential top team out there that would enter if there was no wing. Maybe you know more and want to share your wisdom with us. Please enlighten me...

My so called wisdom comes from 25 years of Cup experience at designer level and i can tell you that if BOR took the initiative and dropped the wing for this coming cup they would find them selves with a lot more interest from smaller lower budget teams. Isn't that what they want?? Come on its not rocket science. Put it out there and see what is the response. And what makes you say Alinghi and TO would not reconsider. Have you asked them the question? try it you may find an interesting response.